Predictions
Premier League Winners – Man Utd
I think Man Utd will be the team to beat again this season. They have strengthened well over the summer with young talented players. I think City will push them close, with Chelsea a distant third as they will be more focused on the CL.
FA Cup – Spurs
I expect Spurs to drop out of the Europa League quite quickly as they will “concentrate” on obtaining a top 4 finish. They have a pretty strong squad despite not strengthening (yet) and a good cup run is not beyond them.
Carling Cup – Arsenal
I think Arsenal will end their silverware drought with a win in the Carling Cup. Their policy of playing young players (who will be another year stronger and experienced) in the early rounds will continue, with the big players stepping up to finish the job.
Champions League Qualifiers – Utd, City, Chelsea, Arsenal
Europa League Qualifiers – Liverpool, Spurs, Carling Cup runner-up
EPL Golden Boot – Javier Hernandez
I anticipate Javier Hernandez building on his impressive debut season. With the addition of Ashley Young to the Utd Squad the service he is likely to get will give him ample opportunity to knock the goals in.
Player of the Year – Luis Suarez
Suarez showed some of what he can do at the end of last season. I fully expect him to become a Kop favourite (if he isn’t already). Cue a big season from the Uruguayan and the comparisons to Liverpool strikers of the past.
Young Player of the Year – Jack Wilshire
Regardless of whether Fabregas stays or goes, I envisage Jack Wilshire’s rapid development to continue, both in the Arsenal midfield and England’s.
Manager of the Year – Whichever manager of QPR, Norwich or Swansea manages to keep them in the PL for a second season.
Sack Race Winner – Steve Keen
Of all the unrealistic expectations of some club owners, the Venky’s group of Blackburn Rovers are top of the list. If they aren’t top by Christmas Keen will get the boot, followed by a raft of Fried Chicken related jokes on the back page of the Sun.
CL Winner – Barcelona
Another strong signing to add to a particularly talented squad in Sanchez and an up and coming youngster in Allecantra mean it will be difficult to pick anybody but Barcelona for the CL.
AV Player of the Year – Darren Bent
Despite reservations about the strength of the Villa squad and how well we are likely to do this season under McLeish I think Darren Bent will stand out in his first full season. In him we have a striker who should be pushing to beat Peter Withe’s league scoring record.
AV Young player of the Year – Ciaran Clark/Marc Albrighton
Two youngsters who took the opportunities afforded to them last season. With Dunne and Collins having inconsistent seasons last season and Cuellar coming back form injury I expect Clark to be pushing hard for a first team place. Albrighton showed what a huge talent he is last term but faded a little as the season drew to a close. With the loss of Young and Downing I expect him to continue his rapid development and become a key man in the squad.
Keep an eye out for some cameo’s from Gary Gardner.
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